Two Teenagers Killed in Donegal Crash Named as Community Mourns
Daniel Cullen and Caoimhin Porter, both aged 18 and from the Shantallow area of Derry, have been named as the two teenagers who lost their lives in a horrific road collision in St Johnston, Co Donegal. The tragic incident occurred on Tuesday night when their Vauxhall Corsa collided with a Volvo FH 500 lorry towing a cattle trailer on the R236 road, which serves as the main Lifford-Derry route.
Details of the Fatal Collision
The crash happened at approximately 11.15pm as the three young men were returning home to Derry after a trip to Asda in Strabane. One of the teenagers was pronounced dead at the scene, while the other succumbed to his injuries a short time later at Altnagelvin Hospital in Derry. The third individual, also 18 years old and the driver of the car, sustained serious injuries and has been transferred to the Royal Victoria Hospital in Belfast for specialised treatment.
Local priest Fr Damien Nejad attended the scene around 1am and administered the last rites to one of the young men. "It was very, very sad," Fr Nejad recounted. "I said a prayer over the body of a young man. There is just shock in the area. It is shocking that this could happen here."
Community Response and Support
The close-knit communities of St Johnston and east Donegal have been plunged into mourning. Derry-based cleric Fr Michael Canny met with the bereaved families on Wednesday, noting their profound shock. "Their family and their friends are in total shock," he said. "This is a close knit community that sticks together, but nevertheless their lives are now going to be changed forever. We also pray for the young man in hospital."
In response to the tragedy, the Shantallow Community Centre opened its Youth Wing to offer support, with grief counsellors available on site. A spokesperson expressed the community's deepest condolences to the families and loved ones of the victims.
Official Statements and Investigation
Donegal County Councillor Gary Doherty, a Sinn Fein representative, described the incident as "an absolutely devastating tragedy." He emphasised the profound impact on the community, particularly given the youth of those involved. "The fact that we are talking about two teenagers losing their lives, the fact that they are so young, makes it even more profound," he told Donegal Live.
Foyle MP Colum Eastwood echoed these sentiments, calling it a "profound tragedy" and assuring the families of the community's support in the difficult days ahead.
The road was closed for an extensive technical examination by Garda Forensic Collision Investigators, who arrived at the scene around 10.30am on Wednesday. Local diversions were implemented, and the area was described as being under a dark cloud of grief.
Appeal for Information
Gardai have launched an appeal for witnesses to come forward. They are particularly interested in any camera footage, including dash-cam recordings, from road users who were travelling in the area between 10.45pm and 11.45pm on Tuesday, 24th February 2026. The Donegal Coroner, Dr Denis McCauley, has been notified, and post-mortem examinations will be conducted in due course.
Anyone with information is urged to contact Letterkenny Garda Station, the Garda Confidential Line, or any local Garda Station. The collision site is noted as a known blackspot for accidents, adding to the urgency of the investigation.
